By: Frans Nawipa*
The government has shown a strong commitment to improving people’s welfare through strategic policies, one of which is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). Amidst the geographical and social challenges faced by the eastern region of Indonesia, especially Papua, this program is present as a real breakthrough to overcome the problem of malnutrition, improve the quality of education, and at the same time encourage local economic growth. The implementation of MBG in Yapen Islands Regency and Merauke Regency is real proof that this program is not just a political promise, but a solution-oriented policy that has made positive achievements.
In the Yapen Islands, the MBG program has been running in 21 schools with active support from the community and religious institutions. Local churches have also contributed by providing kitchens that serve as centers for producing nutritious food for students. The presence of these healthy kitchens makes schools not only a place to gain knowledge, but also a space to grow healthy and strong. The Regent of the Yapen Islands, Benyamin Arisoy, stated that although this program is still in its early stages, its benefits have been greatly felt by school children. The local government continues to strive to overcome the challenges that arise so that the implementation of the program runs optimally and sustainably. Not only that, the Regency Government has also launched MBG in one of the schools in the new district, and plans to add eight more schools so that more children can have access to free nutritious food.
Furthermore, the implementation of MBG in Yapen was not carried out haphazardly. The active involvement of Kodim and the National Nutrition Agency ensured that the quality of food and the effectiveness of the program were continuously monitored. This proves that the government is not only focused on the quantity of beneficiaries, but also emphasizes the quality of implementation. In the long term, this policy is believed to reduce malnutrition rates, reduce the prevalence of stunting, and create superior human resources from eastern Indonesia.
The success of the MBG program in Papua is also strongly reflected in Merauke Regency. Amidst challenges that have caused many healthy kitchens in other areas to stop operating, Merauke has become a national role model. With only one kitchen serving seven schools and more than 3,000 students, MBG in Merauke has managed to maintain continuity of service for 20 days every month. Good coordination between the TNI, SPPI, Bulog Merauke, and community elements has made this kitchen not only survive, but also develop as a center for local economic empowerment. Most of the food ingredients used come from Merauke itself, so this program also encourages the rotation of the community’s economy.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf Johny Novriyadi, Commander of Kodim 1707/Merauke who is also the supervisor of the MBG program in his area, emphasized that this success was the result of mutual cooperation from all parties. According to him, the MBG kitchen not only ensures that children get nutritious food, but also plays a role as an economic driver through the involvement of local MSMEs and food suppliers. This shows that MBG is not just a food program, but a multidimensional policy that touches on health, education, and economic aspects at the same time.
Of course, there are still many challenges to be faced, especially in terms of kitchen coverage to schools spread across the Merauke area. However, this has been anticipated through intensive coordination with the National Nutrition Agency, so that the arrangement of the kitchen map can be more efficient and in accordance with operational standards. In an ideal scheme, one healthy kitchen is designed to serve a maximum of 3,500 students, so that the efficiency and effectiveness of the program are maintained.
In Jayapura Regency, support for the MBG program also came from community elements, especially the Family Empowerment and Welfare Movement (PKK) Team. The Head of the Jayapura Regency PKK Movement Team, Dewi S. Wonda, assessed that the MBG program could be a driver of local economic growth while strengthening family nutritional resilience. According to her, MBG is not just a single-sector program, but a cross-sector program that touches the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream. The involvement of farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs in providing food is a concrete form of an inclusive and sustainable development approach.
The presence of MBG as a priority program of the central government shows that Papua is no longer a region viewed from the periphery, but has become an integral part of national development. Through an inclusive and locally-based approach, the government has succeeded in building an initial foundation for a healthier and more empowered future for Papuan children. With adequate access to nutrition, children are not only more focused on learning, but also have a greater opportunity to grow into a smart and resilient next generation of the nation.
Ultimately, the success of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in Papua is a real form of the state’s presence in the daily lives of the people. Behind every plate of nutritious rice received by children in Yapen and Merauke, there is great hope for a healthier, smarter, and more equitable future for Indonesia. If this program continues to be managed with commitment and collaboration, then Papua will stand on equal footing, not only on the map, but also in the quality of life of its young generation. This is an inclusive and sovereign Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke. The government has lit a candle of hope in the eastern tip of this country, and it is our collective duty to keep its light burning.
*The author is an observer of strategic issues in Papua
